5-day MP Assembly session concludes, 10 Bills passed amid high-voltage drama

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Bhopal, Dec 20 (IANS) As the five-day winter session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly concluded on Friday, as many as 10 Bills (Amendments) were passed during the House proceedings.

During five days of the session, high-voltage drama and protest over various public issues, allegations and counter-allegations from both the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, were witnessed in and outside the House.

However, despite heated exchanges between the members of BJP and Congress, the listed business was transacted, including the supplementary budget of Rs 22,460 crore, which was allocated for several departments to meet the expenses for completing several key projects.

The BJP-ruling state government brought as many as 10 Bills (Amendment) pertaining to different subjects and all those were passed with a majority. Interestingly, many of them were passed even without discussion in the House, and the Opposition also agreed on them.

The Assembly members debated mainly on two important Bills — one related to private school fees aimed at ending the arbitrariness of private schools on fee hikes, and another ‘Jan Vishwas’ (Amendment of Provisions) Bill-2024.

The government said the Amendment Bill, approved targets the schools that are taking fees of more than Rs 25,000 per year and imposing arbitrary charges in the name of bus services and other charges. A high-power committee will be formed to monitor the school fee issue.

The MP Assembly also passed the ‘Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill-2024’ and became the first state to do so taking inspiration from the central government’s Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, according to a government release.

The Bill introduced aimed at making life and business easier for the public and entrepreneurs by simplifying legal processes and ensuring transparency.

According to the government, the Bill amends 64 sections in eight acts of five departments of the state which include Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, Energy, Co-operation, Labour and Urban Development and Housing departments.

“These include reforms like converting imprisonment into a fine, converting punishment into penalty and adding compounding provisions. Additionally, 920 outdated acts were eliminated,” the government said.

–IANS

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Jharkhand’s traditional musical instrument ‘Mandar’ may get GI tag, final hearing on Dec 20

Ranchi, Dec 17 (IANS) Jharkhand’s centuries-old traditional musical instrument, Mandar, is on the verge of receiving a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the final hearing scheduled for December 20 before the Registrar of Geographical Indications, Government of India.

Mandar holds a special place in Jharkhand’s cultural heritage, serving as the primary instrument played during festivals, crop celebrations, religious rituals, and cultural events. It is deeply integrated into the lives of both tribal and non-tribal communities, having been used for centuries in various dance and song performances.

Securing the GI tag will not only provide formal recognition but also present Mandar as a unique cultural and intellectual property of India on the global stage.

Currently, Jharkhand has only one GI tag, awarded in 2021 to Sohrai paintings from Hazaribagh district.

The claim for the GI tag was filed in 2023 on behalf of Mandar by the Mandar Producer Company of Jarjatta village, located in the Raidih block of Gumla district. This initiative was spearheaded by the then Deputy Commissioner of Gumla, Sushant Gaurav, and is now being closely monitored by the current Deputy Commissioner, Karna Satyarthi.

Sources indicate that Jharkhand’s claim has so far met most of the required parameters during previous hearings.

Nandlal Nayak, a renowned folk artist from Jharkhand highlighted the uniqueness of Mandar, stating that no similar replica has been found in any other region or country. Jarjatta village, known for its expertise in crafting Mandar, has been associated with its production since ancient times. Today, the fourth generation of 22 families in the village continues this traditional craft.

The Mandar is a percussion instrument characterised by its distinctive cylindrical shape made from red clay, which slightly bulges in the middle. The structure is hollow, with its openings covered by leather on both sides. The right opening is smaller, while the left is larger. The leather coverings are secured using braided cords.

A special coating, known as Kiran, is applied to the smaller opening, giving Mandar its resonant and unique sound. When played, the musician often moves rhythmically, carrying the instrument using a rope slung over the shoulder.

If granted the GI tag, Mandar will not only bolster Jharkhand’s cultural identity but also create opportunities for its preservation and global promotion.

–IANS

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No woman will file false complaints with such allegations: K’taka CM on BJP MLC’s arrest

Mandya (Karnataka), Dec 20 (IANS) Commenting on the arrest of BJP MLC, C.T. Ravi over alleged derogatory remarks against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on the floor of the Legislative Council, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Friday, “Generally, no woman will file a false complaint with such allegations.”

Responding to media queries in Mandya on Friday regarding the BJP’s protest in support of C.T. Ravi, CM Siddaramaiah questioned that if the accusation of using derogatory language was false, why was C.T. Ravi arrested?

“The BJP is supporting those who speak in a derogatory and insulting manner towards women. People present on the spot heard C.T. Ravi using foul language. There is audio and video evidence of the objectionable language he used,” he stated.

“However, I have not personally seen it. If Ravi’s words were false, why was he arrested? Women usually do not file false complaints in such cases. I do not know why C.T. Ravi used such derogatory language. This is a criminal offense,” the CM added.

Responding to media reports that Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti mentioned C.T. Ravi used the word “frustration,” and not “prostitute” as is being claimed, the CM said, “C.T. Ravi now claims he used the word ‘frustration.’ This is an afterthought. He is saying this now, but the truth is that derogatory language was used, which is why the minister filed a complaint.”

“Other members also stated that they heard Ravi’s foul language. After the Chairman left the floor, the incident occurred, and many have confirmed that there is audio and video evidence of the derogatory word’s usage,” Siddaramaiah said.

Responding to C.T. Ravi’s statement that he received death threats and the government is responsible, the CM stated, “Once an FIR is filed, the police have to investigate, and legal action must be taken. Due to public outrage against C.T. Ravi in Belagavi, he was moved to Khanapur for his safety.”

Commenting over the issue, former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai said the truth behind the alleged inappropriate statement made by MLC C.T. Ravi in the Legislative Council must be investigated.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Friday, he stressed the need for a thorough enquiry into the matter.

“We cannot justify the behaviour of the police. In the past, this government did not punish those who chanted ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in the Vidhana Soudha. The BJP MLC has very clearly denied making such a statement. We are speaking in a fair manner, and we have not opposed an investigation. However, making a final decision without a proper investigation or verification of facts is incorrect,” Bommai said.

–IANS

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